Malappuram, June 19 -- The Nilambur Assembly by-election in Kerala recorded a voter turnout of 70.76% as of 5 PM, according to data from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Kerala.

The polling process has been reported to be smooth, with robust arrangements to ensure a fair and secure election.

Malappuram District Collector VR Vinod, overseeing the by-election, stated, "We have identified 14 booths as critical polling stations, including three located inside forest areas. Additionally, 11 polling stations were designated as critical based on police inputs. Micro observers have been deployed at all critical polling stations, and webcasting has been arranged across all 263 polling stations to ensure transparency."

Vinod further noted that...